Hammock Camping 101: Why You Should Switch from a Tent to a Hammock

Picture a hammock. What setting do you see it in? Most likely it’s somewhere peaceful and relaxing like a beach. Well, that’s exactly what hammocks provide! Hammocks make a comfy, relaxing, and tranquil place to take a load off. But have you ever thought of taking a hammock camping? Hammock camping is a new trend that everyone has been talking about, and there’s a good reason. Actually, there are several good reasons. By the time you’re done reading this article you’ll be ready to throw away your camping tent and start hammock camping. Here’s why you should switch from a tent to a hammock.

What Is Hammock Camping?

Hammock camping is just what it sounds like. You take a hammock camping! The idea is to use your hammock for sleeping and relaxing instead of a tent. Hammocks have never been easier or more convenient to take on camping trips. You’re probably thinking about everything that a tent offers right now. Let me assure you, hammocks can offer it too. Before you make a snap judgement that hammocks won’t give you everything a tent can, hear me out.

Reasons to Make the Switch

Hammocks Are Lightweight

If you’re going on a long backpacking trip, the last thing you want is something heavy weighing you down. Tents can be bulky, heavy, and hard to fit inside your backpack. Hammocks fold easily and can be crammed into any small space. They’re light and they don’t have any poles to mess with. Bring a hammock along instead of a tent and your back, feet, and shoulders will thank you. Without that bulky tent taking up a bunch of room, you have more space to include other things like more food, flashlights, or even a couple games to play when you get to the campsite.

Hammocks Are Easy to Set Up

Every camper has struggled to set up a tent. It’s a camping tradition. Trying to understand the directions, doing things backwards, and then starting over are all things that most campers have experienced. When you go hammock camping, there’s no need to get frustrated. Simply find two trees, hang your hammock, and you’re done. You don’t even need to find two trees that are spaced evenly apart. With the new hammock equipment available you can just find any two trees and adjust the distance to make the hammock stable. There are no poles, no doors, no zippers, and no frustrations. Hammock camping allows you to start relaxing sooner instead of trying to assemble your tent before the sun goes down. After a long and exhausting day of hiking, the last thing you want to do is use your brain power to assemble your tent.

No Need to Worry About What’s on the Ground

Have you ever spent a significant amount of time looking for a decent place to set your tent up? You’re not alone. It’s seems like there’s always roots, rocks, mud, or a downhill slope in the way. A lot of times when you sleep in a tent you don’t feel fully rested when you wake up. There are cricked necks and sore backs. Sleeping in a hammock is like sleeping in a cocoon elevated above ground. There’ll be no roots digging into your spine or rocks jabbing you in the ribs. You also don’t need to worry about your tent flooding with rain in the middle of the night. You’re well above any flooding. I know what you’re thinking, there’s no shelter from rain in a hammock. Nowadays there are several ways to protect yourself from the rain or snow. A lot of hammocks come with their own tarps that you can hang over your hammock quickly when it starts to rain.

You Can Still Have Privacy

A lot of people are worried about where they’re going to change or get some privacy if they only have a hammock while they’re camping. Have no fear, privacy is still attainable with hammock camping. I mentioned tarps that you can hang over your hammock when the weather is bad. Well, the same tarp can be set up around you so you have complete privacy. What’s even better is that you’ll be able to change standing up! Something that a tent cannot offer you. You won’t have to worry about being hunched over trying to change into your pajamas anymore.

You’re Outside

Hammock camping allows you to fully enjoy falling asleep outside. Falling asleep under the stars has never been so comfortable. You’ll be able to watch the shooting stars, and hear the sounds of the great outdoors. You can get some of that with tents, but not as fully as you can with hammocks. Feel the breeze on your face and breathe in the fresh air. Enjoying the outdoors has never been so easy. When you wake up you’ll feel refreshed instead of groggy and stiff from the ground. Sleeping in a tent is starting to sound less and less appealing.

Hammocks Costs vs. Tent Costs

Most hammocks you’ll find are around $30. Depending on which accessories you get with your hammock like a rain tarp or bug net, the price can increase. More expensive hammocks are around $50. Hammocks are made to last and will last several years if you take care of them. Most hammocks can also fit two people quite easily, and sometimes can fit three people. The majority of hammocks are made to hold up to 500 lbs. Tents are a lot more expensive on average than hammocks. Cheap tents are typically around $80-$100. Tents can also get up to several hundred dollars. The choice seems clear.

Summing Up

Hammock camping is becoming a new trend because of their small size, light weight, and affordability. There are some that might continue to prefer to sleep in a tent for the added security. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a hammock on your camping trip. Bring a hammock along and relax as you look at the stars or listen to the creek. You can always go sleep in a tent if you’re more comfortable. Most hammocks weigh less than 3 lbs so they’re easy to bring on any camping adventure. However, I think you’ll find that sleeping in a hammock is more comfortable than a tent once you get the hang of it. There’s a learning curve to sleeping in a hammock, but once you get it down you’ll never want to go back to a tent again. It’d be so amazing to fall asleep looking at the stars. You’d be snuggled up nice and comfy in a hammock cocoon dreaming about the days you used to sleep in a tent.

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I am the managing editor here at Everything Backyard. I love all things design, including interior and landscape design. In my spare time, you can find me sitting outside reading a good book or working on my own DIY projects.

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